Question

What is the main significance of a cell wall?

Answer 1

Cell is the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms or we simply say that cell is the fundamental unit of life. Each living cell has the capacity to perform certain basic functions that are features of all living forms.
One of the most important cellular components is the cell wall. Let us explore more about cell walls.

Complete Answer-
Cell wall is a non-living rigid structure found outer to the plasma membrane of fungi and plants. It is a middle layer.
Its composition varies to the organism and it is permeable in nature. The cell wall separates the interior components of the cell from the exterior environment. It also permits cells to withstand hypotonic media without bursting.
Cell wall of a young plant cell (primary cell) is capable of growth. It diminishes as the cell matures and a secondary wall is formed on the inner side. The middle lamella is a layer largely of calcium carbonate pectate.
Significance of cell wall –
Acts as a barrier between interior and exterior environment.
Responsible for transporting substances between and across the cell.
It provides definite shape, size, rigidity, protection against mechanical damage and infection.
Helps in preventing water loss.
Helps in cell-cell interaction.
Act as a filtering mechanism.

Note-
Cell walls are of two types - the primary cell wall is capable of growth and gets faded when it undergoes growth and is replaced by a secondary cell wall.
If the cell wall is not present in the plant cell, then all the functioning of all the cells would be disturbed and the cell will not bear the concentration of solution due to absence of turgor pressure and will burst.